Hans Jagnow talks about setting a gold standard for the future of sports and esports
We sat down with Hans Jagnow, director of NGSC, to understand the conference's evolution, its ambitious 2025 theme, and how it reflects the shifting dynamics of the global sport and gaming industries.
'The New Global Sport Conference has been around since 2023 and has been ever-growing,' says Jagnow. 'We started with a very exclusive platform with around 300 to 400 leaders that were coming together in Riyadh and celebrating the launch of the Esports World Cup.'
That inaugural event laid the foundation, but it was only the beginning. With 1,500 confirmed guests and a nearly sold-out venue, the 2025 edition of the event is operating at full capacity. 'There's no space, which is probably the best thing that can happen to a conference a week before we are starting, right?' says Jagnow, highlighting the caliber of the attendees: 'We have hundreds of CEOs, key executives, presidents, board members and more.'
What makes NGSC distinct is its format, a fusion of public stages, behind-the-scenes meetings, and cutting-edge activations. Jagnow proudly highlights new initiatives like The Foundry, a space for strategic masterclasses, and the NGSC Studio, a live broadcasting hub, which, as per Jagnow, is 'giving everyone out there a window into NGSC, into the topics that are discussed there.'
The Next Game
The headline theme for NGSC 2025 – The Next Game, serves both as a slogan and a challenge to the industry.
'Everyone is looking for their next game,' says Jagnow. 'What we want to focus on is how we can achieve our next game together, not only this next year, but also for the next five to 25 years.'
This focus on convergence is embedded in every detail of the event, including its speaker lineup. 'If you look into our speaker lineup, there are some iconic names like Kideo Kojima, who is travelling with the acclaimed director of Drive, Nicolas Winding Refn. We have Ubisoft CEO – Yves Guillemot, Steve Bartlett and so many more,' Jagnow shares.
But NGSC is not just about talks, it's about impact. Behind closed doors, strategic meetings are helping lay the groundwork for cross-industry deals. 'The incubator for that is our platform,' emphasises Jagnow.
Accelerating the kingdom's vision
Hosting the conference in Riyadh isn't incidental; it's strategic. NGSC plays a critical role in supporting Saudi Arabia's national gaming and esports strategy. 'Saudi Arabia is a unique place with a strong strategy underlying all its investments,' Jagnow explains. 'The NGSC as a platform is a direct accelerator of that strategy and of that ambition.'
He emphasises the alignment with Vision 2030 and the country's broader goals of economic diversification. 'NGSC is a global platform to showcase the Kingdom's commitment, but also its capabilities,' he adds.
Lighting the way for regional development
The impact of NGSC isn't just global; it's deeply regional. 'The Kingdom shows through NGSC what are the innovations that you can achieve in the region,' says Jagnow. 'It shines a light on these markets in the Middle East and sets an example for others to follow.'
He also underscores the practical benefits for local talent and infrastructure: 'It serves the fans in those countries. It enables games to be released and optimised for regional use. It enables a lot of events coming to the region.'
Reflecting on the journey so far, Jagnow is visibly moved by NGSC's trajectory. 'It filled the gap of uniting the industry under one roof,' he says. 'This has always been our ambition when creating the platform.'
And for him, the most rewarding moment isn't a keynote or a panel, it's what happens in the margins: 'The most rewarding feeling is quite honestly when everyone is standing in our networking area, having a mocktail and talking about what's ahead for them in the next year.'
As the NGSC prepares to open its doors again, Jagnow has a clear message for attendees:
'The future of sports and esports is not separate. It's interconnected. Together we have the opportunity to set a global and a gold standard from Riyadh to the world.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Six teams ready for DP World ILT20 Development Tournament
The six franchises have finalised their squads for the third edition of the DP World International League T20 Development Tournament via the Player Selection Draft, conducted on August 18 at the Dubai International Stadium. Each team comprises 15 players from the UAE, with the squads featuring some of the country's most exciting talent, including several who have already appeared in the DP World ILT20. The tournament will serve as a platform for UAE's upcoming cricketers to showcase their talent ahead of the DP World ILT20 2025 Player Auction, scheduled a few days after the Asia Cup 2025. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Development have included Ibrar Ahmad, who took four wickets in seven appearances for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the most recent edition of the DP World ILT20. He is joined by Aditya Shetty, who played for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Season 2 of the ILT20, and Shahid Iqbal Bhutta, who made three outings for the Knight Riders in Season 3 as well. Dubai Capitals Development boast the inclusion of Farhan Khan, who stood out in the ILT20 Season 3 by defending 11 runs against MI Emirates' Kieron Pollard in the season opener before going on to play seven matches. He is joined by Zeeshan Naseer, who was also part of the Capitals' senior squad last season. Gulf Giants Development will count on Aayan Khan, who has been part of the senior Giants squad since the inaugural season of the DP World ILT20 and shone last year with 10 wickets in 10 games at an economy of 6.17, along with Muhammad Uzair Khan, who featured twice for the team in ILT20 Season 3. MI Emirates Development have picked Aryan Lakra, who first appeared in the ILT20 Season 2 before rejoining the senior side in Season 3, and Zahoor Khan, who has been part of the franchise for three years and added five wickets in seven matches last season. Sharjah Warriorz Development include the experienced Rohan Mustafa, who played 12 matches for the Warriorz in the ILT20 Season 3, helping them to their first playoff run. His campaign was highlighted by a match-winning 45 against Gulf Giants in their opening fixture. The ILT20 Tournament will be conducted in a single-league, round-robin format between August 24 and September 3 while the DP World ILT20 Season 4 will begin on December 2 and will conclude with the final on January 4. ILT20 Development Tournament Squads 2025: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Development: Syed Muhammad Haider Shah, Ronak Panoly, Ahmed Tariq, Sagar Kalyan, Ali Abid, Uddish Suri, Sanchit Sharma, Usaid Amin, Muhammad Shahdad, Rameez Shahzad, Madhav Manoj, Zia Mukhtar, Adithya Shetty, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal, Ibrar Ahmad Desert Vipers Development: Nilansh Keswani, Mayank Mayank, Sanjay Pahal, Usman Pandit, Awais Ahmed, Taimoor Ali, Nabeel Aziz, Basil Hameed, Angad Nehru, Hafiz Almas Ayub, Arron Lilley, Daniel Pawson, Ali Naseer, Tanish Suri, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer Dubai Capitals Development: Daniyal Liaquat, Luqman Faisal, Siyam Khan, Israr Ahmad, Muhammad Irfan, Sohaib Khan, Ihtisham Ul Haq, Junaid Shamsudheen, Harshit Seth, Ritesh Mallikarjuna Grandhi, Said Nazeer, Abdul Rahman Nasir, Zeeshan Naseer, Farhan Khan, Khalid Shah Gulf Giants Development: Mohammad Ibrahim Masood, Ajay Kumar, Junaid Khan Afridi, Muhammad Aftab Alam, Jonathan Figy John, Zahid Ali, Hameed Khan, Tahir Zaman Noor Zaman, Nawodya Wijayakumara, Jash Nitinkumar Giyanani, Uzair Haider Naheed Ullah, Muhammad Aftab Javed, Ayaan Misbah, Aayan Khan, Muhammad Uzair Khan MI Emirates Development: Vriitya Aravind, Usman Khan, Muhammad Farooq, Danish Qureshi, Rizwaan CP, Muhammad Kamran Atta, Mohammed Faraazuddin, Yug Sharma, Vishnu Kannath Sukumaran, Aryan Saxena, Rahul Bhatia, Muhammad Mohsin, Sabir Ali, Zahoor Khan, Aryan Lakra Sharjah Warriorz Development: Wasim Akram, Haider Razzaq, Harsh Desai, Simranjeet Singh, Raees Ahmad, Umair Ali Khan, Mohit Singh Kalyan, Muhammad Shahbaz Ali, Omid Rahman, Yassir Kaleem, Rayan Khan, Mohammed Adeeb Usmani, Zawar Farid, Vaibhav Govekar, Rohan Mustafa.
Gulf Business
14 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Sandstorm Comics debuts retail presence through Kalima and Kinokuniya
Image: Supplied Abu Dhabi-based Sandstorm Comics has announced its official retail debut, making its titles available on the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center's digital platform Kalima as well as at Kinokuniya stores across the UAE. The move represents a significant milestone for the homegrown studio, which has rapidly established itself as a creative force in the regional comic book industry. The launch expands Sandstorm's reach to both local and international audiences while strengthening Abu Dhabi's growing cultural industries. The retail debut introduces four titles under Sandstorm's new children's imprint, Little Storm : Solarblader Vol.1 , Acro and The Cat , All Upon a Time , and The Foxes and the Dragon . Each title is produced by local and regional talent, reflecting the UAE's creativity and storytelling traditions. 'Since the inception of Sandstorm Comics, our vision has been to bring locally produced comic books to life and make them accessible to everyone,' said Mo Abedin, Editor-in-Chief at Sandstorm Comics. 'Today, that vision becomes a reality with our titles now available across the UAE's largest bookstores, as well as online through Kalima website and mobile application. This marks a significant milestone for the UAE's creative community, and we take great pride in sharing stories that reflect the richness and diversity of our region's culture.' The debut follows Sandstorm's recent international showcases, including New York Comic Con 2024 and Middle East Film and Comic Con 2025. With new releases planned throughout the year, the company is positioning itself to scale globally while retaining its base in Abu Dhabi. Supported by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Sandstorm Comics is closely aligned with the emirate's strategy to strengthen its cultural and creative industries. By prioritising original intellectual properties and promoting regional talent, the studio is reshaping the way Middle Eastern stories are presented to global audiences. For fans, Sandstorm Comics' titles are now available at Kinokuniya stores across the UAE, through
Arabian Business
14 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Ralf Reichert on creating a unified global sport with NGSC
Esports World Cup Foundation is positioning itself at the forefront of the convergence of physical and digital arenas. At the helm is Ralf Reichert, CEO of the foundation, who sees the New Global Sport Conference (NGSC) as more than just a meeting of minds, it's the birthplace of a new unified global sport. Merging 2 worlds 'The New Global Sport Conference is where esports and traditional sports stand shoulder to shoulder,' says Reichert. 'Esports was born digital, global, borderless, and fast from day one. Traditional sports bring decades of legacy, governance, and cultural weight.' This convergence, Reichert notes, is not incidental; it's by design. NGSC is the only platform where key players from across both industries meet: from publishers and professional athletes to brands and policymakers. It's a space where institutional credibility meets the dynamic innovation of esports. 'NGSC accelerates their convergence,' emphasises Reichert. 'At NGSC, they stop being two separate ecosystems and become one: the New Global Sport.' The 2025 theme, The Next Game – Building the Future of Gaming, Esports, and Sports, perfectly encapsulates the foundation's long-term vision. For Reichert, this isn't about a vague future; it's about the transition that's already underway. 'The Next Game is about the shift we're living right now,' he explains. 'The boundaries between gaming, esports, and sports are dissolving; for example, clubs compete across multiple disciplines, fans follow athletes across formats, and technology turns every device into a front-row seat.' This shift aligns directly with the foundation's core mission: to create a sustainable global ecosystem where esports is not a fringe element but stands beside the world's leading sports. According to Reichert, NGSC is where talk turns into action. 'NGSC is where ideas turn into commitments, and commitments turn into action. It's not growth for growth's sake. This is about creating lasting impact for players, clubs, publishers, and fans worldwide.' Facing challenges The esports industry is booming in terms of viewership and participation, but according to Reichert, it still faces foundational challenges. 'Every industry needs two things to thrive: stability and trust,' he states. 'Esports has the audience and momentum, but stability comes from policy and governance, and trust comes from consistent commitment across all stakeholders, players, publishers, investors, and fans.' This is precisely where NGSC stands out. Unlike other industry events, it boasts top-level political and governmental support. 'NGSC is unique because it's not just insiders talking to each other; it's endorsed at the highest political levels. It brings ministers, policymakers, and executives into the same room.' NGSC is often dubbed the 'Davos of esports' for good reason. 'By creating a shared platform where governments, businesses, and communities engage, NGSC lays the foundation for long-term sustainability.' One of the most exciting frontiers, according to Reichert, is the evolution of fan engagement. And NGSC is poised to be the launchpad for what comes next. 'The magic of NGSC is what happens when decision-makers from every corner of the industry are in one room,' notes Reichert. 'That's where the next wave of fan engagement, such as interactive digital platforms, fantasy and pick'em models, and new integrations between esports and traditional sports, will be born.' Fans today are no longer passive observers; they expect a deeper connection, and NGSC is primed to deliver. 'Fans don't just watch anymore. They want to participate, influence, and connect. NGSC is the catalyst for this because it brings together the people who can deliver it: publishers shaping games, clubs building communities, and brands creating experiences.' Looking ahead, Reichert envisions a moment of reflection a decade from now when the industry will recognise NGSC as a pivotal turning point. 'Ten years from now, we'll look back and say: NGSC was the moment when esports and sports became one world for fans.' With bold vision, high-level collaboration, and a clear commitment to building bridges between digital and traditional competitive worlds, the Esports World Cup Foundation is not just watching the future unfold; it's actively building it.
